On a chilly Williamsburg night, the whole student body squeezes into the Wren Courtyard, where festive cressets (wood-burning torches) warm the crowd. The students are treated to live holiday music and student speeches explaining international holiday traditions. The climax is when the college president takes the stage dressed as Santa Claus and reads a story like 'Twas the Night Before Finals or a rousing rendition of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Afterward, frozen students pile into the Great Hall to toss ceremonial sprigs of holly into the Yule log fire for good luck. Then it's hot cider and sugar cookies for everybody.